Present 3D laser scanning (3DLS) technology can be used in many diverse applications; it assists in improving efficiency and quality, and reducing time-to-benefit. For discrete industries, 3DLS can save time and cost in product development and manufacturing applications. In the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI), utilities and other heavy process businesses, 3DLS benefits can be effectively applied to upgrade projects and ongoing plant-asset management activities. The technology continues to improve with higher scanning speeds (points scanned per second), better ease of use and smoother workflow via software integration with computer-aided design (CAD) systems.